Screenings
Howard County General Hospital will hold a free screening of varicose veins from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at the Johns Hopkins Vein Center, Little Patuxent Specialty Care Center, Suite 150, 11065 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia. Dr. Richard Feinberg will conduct the private five-minute screenings and discuss treatment options. Information and registration: 410-550-8346 or hcgh.org. •The county Health Department's North Laurel Community Health Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Road, offers HIV/AIDS testing from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, and from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. by appointment. Call 410-313-0630. Also, the Columbia Health Center, 7180 Columbia Gateway, conducts HIV testing at 8 a.m. Mondays by appointment. Call 410-313-7500. Testing is free, anonymous and confidential. •Walk for health at The Mall in Columbia. Blood pressure screenings are offered the second Tuesday of the month. Information: 410-730-3300. The American Cancer Society offers free workshops led by a licensed cosmetologist for women undergoing cancer treatment and learning to manage appearance-related side effects of treatment. Registration: 1-888-535-4555.
Caregivers and seniors
Family and Children's Services of Central Maryland has received an 18-month, $500,000 challenge grant from the Maryland Home and Community Care Foundation, and additional funding from the Howard County Department of Citizen Services. A new program, SERVE (Services, Education and Resources for Vulnerable Elders), will work to improve the safety of seniors, enhance the quality of life for caregivers, help families find services, prevent premature institutionalization and reduce incidents of elder abuse and neglect. For information or to donate, go to fcsmd.org. Presented by Vantage House, dance classes are held from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays in the retirement community's auditorium, 5400 Vantage Point Road in Columbia. Dance has been shown to improve balance, gait and mood in those with Parkinson's disease. Registration and information: Megan Wallnofer, 410-992-1691. The Retreat and Conference Center at Bon Secours offers spiritual enrichment programs at 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville. Information and registration: 410-442-1320. The Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross is requesting blood donations. Eligible donors can call 800-GIVE-LIFE to schedule an appointment. Platelet donors should call 800-272-2123. The Department of Veterans Affairs operates a 13,300-square-foot facility to serve veterans in Anne Arundel and Howard counties. The clinic is at 2479 Fifth St., adjacent to the Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center at Fort Meade. Services include outpatient medical care, preventive health and education services, medical screenings, TeleHealth services and referrals to specialized programs and inpatient services available throughout the VA Medical Health Care System. Information: 410-305-5300.
Claudia Mayer Cancer Resource Center
Offered free at 10710 Charter Drive, Suite G050 in Columbia. Information: 410-740-5858: •Caregivers support group meets at 3:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month. Registration: 410-740-5858. •Living with cancer support group for cancer patients with Stage IV or metastatic diseases and their caregivers meets from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of every month. Registration: 410-740-5858. •A